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Hon. Fraser criticises Hon. Walwyn’s flip-flopping on expulsion of students

Representative for the Third District Honourable Julian Fraser RA told persons at his community meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2013 that leaders making decisions must first be informed on the matter. Photo: VINO

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – “That’s one problem we have with leadership, making decisions, the decisions must be informed. If it’s an uninformed decision you would find yourself going back and forth,” said Representative for the Third District Honourable Julian Fraser, RA stated at a community feedback meeting held at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre on Friday December 5, 2013.

Media operatives had posed the question to Hon. Fraser about the Minister for Education Hon. Myron V. Walwyn’s decision to rescind the expulsion of some seven students of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).

Furor had arisen at the ESHS on November 15, 2013 when a student had reportedly behaved in a manner deemed disrespectful to the school’s Principal (ag) Mr Wade W. Tobin, disrupting furniture in his office and hurling unsavory remarks to the head of the school.

Teachers had expressed concern about the incident, which had reportedly led to a daring street fight, and had called on the Education Minister to take strong actions against more than ten students. At a meeting with teachers of the ESHS on November 18, 2013 the Minister had made an emphatic statement that he was not going to expel any student. Then in the House of Assembly on November 19, 2013 Hon. Walwyn announced that seven of the students would have been expelled.

In a recent press release from Government Information Service (GIS), it was announced that the Minister had revoked the expulsion order and the seven students were offered another chance at obtaining a certificate through the Alternative Secondary Education Programme.

Hon. Fraser at the time of responding to the question had said he was not officially aware of the decision by the Minister for Education to revoke the expulsion of the seven male students. He did say, however, if that was the case Hon. Walwyn’s decision was ill informed from the get go. “…If that’s the case, that’s the only reason he would reverse the decision or unless the boss called and tell him to do it.”

According to Hon Fraser, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourble D. Orlando Smith has the power of his office to instruct ministers on any government related matters. Asked if he had been the Minister for Education if he would have expelled the students, Hon. Fraser said, “If I had been rich I would not have been standing here. I cannot answer that.”

He further explained that the position of Minister for Education is a very difficult job. “No one should jump into that mould and consider themselves an expert. It’s a learning experience being there.”

He said that former Minister for Education Hon. Andrew A. Fahie had an advantage having served in the position during a prior term. “And that advantage could be seen in the youths… and until any Minister for Education reaches to that point they are talking about people they are not talking to people.”

People read, read and read with proper eyesight. It said they were transferred to the Alternative program under guidance and counselling, please stop trying to cause a ruckuss. They were not returned to the ESHS. I thought Faser had better sense.

I don't understand what he is trying to say cause it don't make no sense to me. the teachers going to school fearing for there life cause they don't what the kids in school have in store. why we have to fight among each other pure foolishness we need to work together as one. STOP THE VIOLENCE MAN.

The M of E said he didn't want to expel and putting them into an alternative program is the correct thing to do unless you want these kids to be standing on the street selling drugs. They are still expelled from the high school. Are the people of this district so thick they believe everything this man says? Educated yourselves and stopped being blinded by party crap.

There were street lights at the round-about in town-did the boss call and say remove them?...is the fact that they are no longer there make you Mr Frasier a 'flip flop'?...point is-this is a democracy-power to the people....come here talking bull...Mvw trying to save his people and nothing wrong with that-he jus smart enough to realize that if he safe them nobody gonna save him....so he moved them to an alternative programme...didnt cost a $ to tax payers'-street lights at tge round-about did cost to install and remove...so stop acting as if u above reproach...bout flip flop...kmt

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